Barrington Anglo-Saxon Cemetery - Interim Report 1990

Archaeological excavation continued at Barrington Edix Hill Anglo-Saxon Cemetery in 1990. 43 burials were discovered and excavated. These were concentrated on the brow of a chalk knoll known as Edix Hill, and bring the total number of burials investigated during the past four years to 73. Grave-goods and most skeletons were found to be well preserved. Artifact evidence had a date range extending through the 6th & 7th centuries AD. Of exceptional interest were two rare bed burials of young women, one buried with a sword, amongst many other artifacts. Other grave goods included spears, shields, brooches (small-long, annular, disc and garnet disc types), beads (glass and amber), latchlifters, knives and buckles, including one "shield on tongue" example. Some fabric has survived, and nearly all the bronze brooches have been found to contain replaced textile, whilst ironwork show traces of replaced leather and wood. it's likely that DNA exists in the bone which could help identify potential family groups in the cemetery. A series of ditches, stake-holes and pits dating to the late Iron Age were also found.